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From your phone to the road, via your computer screen: a solution to try out in real life, not just something to choose from a box.
There comes a time when the menu is out of sight, the message on your phone needs more light, and your gaze has to shift constantly between your colleague and the screen. For those who want greater freedom from glasses during certain activities, the multifocal contact lenses can offer a different way of managing near, intermediate and far distances.
However, they are not simply a scaled-down version of a progressive lens for spectacles. The principle, the fitting process and the way in which visual balance is achieved are all different. The process begins with the prescription from the ophthalmologist; the optometrist’s task is to translate this into a technical solution tailored to the individual’s eyes, viewing distances and habits.
Cover image: CooperVision.
I’m not some sort of mini-progressive
In progressive lenses, the different zones of the lens occupy specific positions in front of the face: the gaze is directed through the zone best suited to the viewing distance. A contact lens, on the other hand, moves with the eye. This is why multifocal lenses use specific optical geometries, in which multiple powers can coexist and the result stems from the way in which visual information is integrated at different distances.
There is no single design that works for all lenses. Some designs distribute the power in concentric zones, whilst others use aspheric profiles; in certain applications, the design also differs between the dominant and non-dominant eyes. The choice should not be based on the best-known brand, but on the prescription, the specific requirements of the application and everyday priorities.
Three distances, a personal balance
The aim is not to promise the highest possible theoretical sharpness in every situation, but to deliver a useful, stable and natural view in the situations that really matter.
1
Nearby
Telephone, menus, labels and small details. Font size and lighting can make a big difference to how things are perceived.
2
Intermediate
Computers, the dashboard, the kitchen and conversation. It’s the distance that’s often overlooked, yet central to many days.
3
Far away
Environment, travel, sport and driving. Night-time conditions and low-light conditions must be taken into account during the test.
It’s the proof that counts, not the name on the box
Two people with seemingly similar prescriptions may have different priorities and outcomes. It is not enough to know the sphere and addition: when presenting a prescription, the cylinder and axis are also important, as are the tear film, centration, lens movement, pupil diameter under different lighting conditions, ocular dominance and binocular response.
Even the prescription for your glasses is merely a starting point. The distance between the lens and the eye varies, as do the geometry and behaviour of the correction: simply copying the values from your glasses onto a pack of contact lenses is a risky choice and may result in a solution that is technically and visually inadequate.
The test is specifically designed to verify what a table cannot reveal: how the lens behaves on the eye, which distances are most important, and what level of compromise is actually acceptable. Sometimes the right balance is found quickly; at other times, it takes days of guided use or minor adjustments. This is not a failure: it is part of a methodical fitting process.
The Multifocal Approach in Isolani’s Advanced Contact Lens Practice
At Centri Ottici Isolani, the fitting process does not end with the handover of the first trial pair. The central department specialising in contact lenses is staffed by eight professionals; this expertise is shared across the entire network through ongoing training, joint fitting sessions and the rotation of specialist staff.
This enables the process to be followed in accordance with consistent criteria at every centre, whilst maintaining liaison with head office even in cases requiring further verification. It is the method of Isolani Advanced Contact Lens Practice: technical choice, eye test, guidance on use and non-medical check-ups over time.
Before the test
Specifications, previous experience, working distances, lighting, riding style and expectations are taken into account before selecting the geometry.
During the test
We assess centring, movement, comfort and visual quality at practical viewing distances, not just by reading a line of text in a controlled environment.
In real life
The lens is assessed in the activities for which it was chosen, in accordance with the wearing arrangements and duration defined on an individual basis.
At the checkpoint
These observations are transformed into useful data to validate the solution or refine capabilities, calculations and implementation strategy.
Glasses and contact lenses are not rivals. Multifocal lenses can offer freedom when playing sport, at work, at events or in your social life; however, a set of up-to-date glasses remains essential for switching between uses correctly, giving your eyes a rest from the lenses when needed, and always having a reliable vision solution.
To find out more about the different types of glasses available, you can read more about the Isolani multifocal range for progressive, office and photochromic lenses.
When buying online makes sense
Once the model, shape, material, base curve, diameter, powers and instructions for use have been checked, replacing your lenses can be straightforward. However, before fitting, a product information sheet cannot replace a fitting trial and cannot determine whether that specific lens is suitable.
Our A guide to buying contact lenses online It explains which parameters to check and why the sphere, cylinder, axis and addition must match the lens actually fitted. Once the prescription has been determined, the main options are available in the Isolani catalogue multifocal and single-vision contact lenses.
Would you like to find out whether multifocal lenses are right for your daily routine?
Bring your prescription from your optician and tell us where you really feel you need greater freedom: close-up, computer use, driving, sport or social life.
Find the Nearest Isolani Opticians or start from the A comprehensive guide to contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Multifocal Contact Lenses
Practical advice to help you prepare before the test, whilst always following your ophthalmologist’s instructions and advice.
Do multifocal contact lenses work in the same way as varifocals for glasses?
No. Both cater for multiple distances, but they use different principles and geometries. A contact lens moves with the eye and requires a specific fitting test; it is not a miniature version of a progressive lens for spectacles.
Does your vision become perfect straight away at all distances?
There is no one-size-fits-all guarantee. Some people quickly find a good balance, whilst others need a period of guided use or fine-tuning. The result should be assessed over the distances and in the lighting conditions that really matter.
Can multifocal lenses be used even if you have astigmatism?
Multifocal toric lens designs are also available, but their availability depends on the required parameters, and suitability must be assessed during fitting. The cylinder and axis must not be added to the lens independently.
Can I get the specifications from my glasses prescription?
No. The spectacle prescription is the starting point, but the specifications and parameters of contact lenses may differ. A technical assessment, a trial fitting and a check of the result are required.
Can I buy varifocals online?
Yes, once the correct lens and all its parameters have already been fitted and checked. Replacement should not involve a change of brand, material, geometry or power.
Do multifocal lenses completely replace glasses?
No. A modern pair of glasses remains an essential part of the process: it allows for the correct alternation, provides a solution when the contact lens is not being worn, and is best suited to certain activities.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only and relates to the optical and commercial sectors. It does not contain any medical, clinical or diagnostic content.